It comes from the cells that form the walls of the cysts. Those cells secrete a protein, known as keratin. These cysts are also made of fat, and it's often that substance, or infection, that makes the smell, according to American Family Physician.
Infected cysts
If a cyst has become infected, it may look red due to inflammation. Infected cysts can also have a whitish appearance due to the presence of pus. The pus may smell unpleasant. A person should see a doctor if they suspect any infections.
The lining of an epidermoid cyst is made up of skin cells, which secrete keratin. Keratin is the material that makes up the hair, and the outer layer of skin. The contents of an epidermoid cyst are soft and “cheese-like,” with an unpleasant smell.
Diagnosis of cysts
If left untreated, benign cysts can cause serious complications including: Infection – the cyst fills with bacteria and pus, and becomes an abscess. If the abscess bursts inside the body, there is a risk of blood poisoning (septicaemia).
The most common symptom of a sebaceous cyst is the formation of a lump beneath your skin. However, if the cyst becomes inflamed or infected, it may cause tenderness, redness of your skin, and in some cases it might produce foul-smell and discharge fluid [4]. When the cyst grows, it may cause pain and pressure.
One sign of infection is redness and swelling around the cyst or foul-smelling drainage seeping out of the cyst. See your healthcare provider if you have such symptoms.
It's not advisable to try draining a cyst or abscess yourself. Cyst popping at home can cause infection. Instead, keep the area clean, and make an appointment with a doctor if the area is painful or starts to drain.
Never Try to Pop It
Most cysts are practically impossible to pop by squeezing or picking at them with your fingers. In the process of trying to pop it, you can end up sending bacteria and sebum below the hair follicles. This can cause the materials to spread even further and result in more cysts.
Malodorous chemicals released by bacteria: Bacteria can also release malodorous chemicals that can cause a wound to smell bad. These chemicals are often produced because of bacterial metabolism and can be potent. Some types of bacteria are more likely to have malodorous chemicals than others.
What is an abscess? An abscess is a collection of pus. Pus is a thick fluid that usually contains white blood cells, dead tissue and germs (bacteria). The pus may be yellow or green and may have a bad smell.
Epidermoid cysts are usually asymptomatic; however, if ruptured it may closely resemble a furuncle with tenderness to palpation, erythema, and swelling. A foul-smelling yellowish cheese-like material discharged from the skin may be described.
The keratin they secrete accumulates in the center of the cavity, as a dense yellowish paste. If the cyst breaks or is squeezed it will ooze keratin.
Keep the area clean. Wash the lump and surrounding skin well with soap. Apply warm, wet face cloths to the lump for 20 to 30 minutes, 3 to 4 times a day. If you prefer, you can also use a hot water bottle or heating pad over a damp towel.
Important. Do not squeeze a skin cyst. If it bursts it could become infected, or if it's already infected you might spread the infection.
Do not squeeze the cyst or poke it with a needle to open it. This can cause swelling, redness, and infection. Always have a doctor look at any new lumps you get to make sure that they are not serious.
If the cyst drains on its own, it may return. Most cysts don't cause problems or need treatment. But if a cyst is a concern to you for any reason, see your healthcare provider. Epidermoid cysts can be treated by simple surgery (excision) with removal of the cyst and cyst wall.
Massage directly onto the cyst is discouraged, as this may cause your client pain and may even cause the cyst to swell to a larger size. If the cyst is irritating the client and they are coming to you to treat it, you must refer them to their healthcare practitioner.
If the cyst becomes infected it must be drained or incised in order to heal. Although antibiotics may help to improve the infection, it will not resolve the infection without draining the cyst first. It's important to seek medical attention if the area begins to swell, produce pain, drains pus or you develop a fever.
Common cyst causes
One of the most common reasons cysts form on the skin is due to clogged sebaceous glands. These glands lubricate your skin, and if they get blocked, this can cause fluid to pool in one area. Other reasons cysts can form include the following: Injury or irritation to a hair follicle.
Infections, tumors, parasites, and injuries can cause cysts. They are usually noncancerous. If a person is worried about a cyst or has noticed a new lump, they should see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment, if necessary.
A cyst is a sac that may be filled with air, fluid or other material. A cyst can form in any part of the body, including bones, organs and soft tissues. Most cysts are noncancerous (benign), but sometimes cancer can cause a cyst.